Obama: "I will never question the patriotism of others in this campaign..."

By GottaLaff

Liveblogging.

...and I will not stand idly by when I hear others question mine.

...We can agree that no party ... has a monopoly on patriotism. ... Patriotism starts as a gut instinct... "

"We can do anything we set our minds to do: That's my idea of America." ...

... I remember my mother reading me the first lines of the Declaration of Independence [quotes them]... This Declaration applies to every American... protects us from injustices... That's my idea of America."

America is the greatest country on earth... that instinct survived... because of its freedom and vitality that outweighed its imperfections... The belief that it could be made better, the Revolution was waged for the sake of that belief... We could be free to say whatever we want, worship as we please, pursue dreams and help fellow citizens to pursue theirs..."

MSNBC just cut to McCain.

Patriotism is more than just loyalty to a map... it's loyalty to ideals... the application of these ideals... It separates us from [other countries that don't practice the freedoms we have]. Those that don't practice these ideals... do not truly understand America.

Patriotism can never be defined as loyalty to a leader, a government, a policy. Mark Twain: Patriotism is supporting your country all of the time, and your gov't. when it deserves it."

We may hope our gov't. stands up for what's right... but when our laws are out of alignment with those ideals, then the consent of ordinary Americans my be the truest expression of patriotism.

Recognizing a wrong is an act of patriotism [Abu Ghraib]. ... Beyond loyalty of our ideals, and consent, patriotism is the willingness to sacrifice on behalf of a larger cause. For those who fought ... for this nation... those like McCain who have endured physical torment... no further proof is necessary. We must profess our profound gratitude for the service or our men and women in uniform. Period. Full stop.

For those of us not in uniform, the call to service remains imperative.... Because of the wars, this call never came... The wealthiest saw their tax obligations decline... never happened in war time... In spite of this absence of Washington leadership, young people have taken up our cause... by teaching, caring for others in hospitals... We should expand AmeriCorp... college assistance program... Government can do its part.

True patriotism cannot be legislated, must reside in the hearts of our people... It is our responsibility to instill that history in our children, both at home and at school.... It is up to us to teach them. We have always been able to come together to become more prosperous... more just. It's good to give back to one's community, to serve in the military, to participate in democracy, to make our voices heard...

Patriotism involves defending the country, but also working to make America a better place for future generations. [Discusses debt, consequences of inaction, failure to educate, invest in scientific research...] The commitment must extend past our own time here on earth. ... The government is of and by and for the people. ...

Trust in the better angels of our nation, as Lincoln did. He set the standard for patriotism. Truman said: "When FDR died, I felt there must be a million men more qualified than I... but through all of it... I've been well aware that I did not work alone... that you were working with me... " In the end, it may this quality that best describes patriotism. Not just love of the country in the abstract, but faith in the American people.

The achievements all result from the efforts of the American people... the liberty to pursue our own dreams. Not the equality of results... the equality to seek. There is nothing we cannot do... We are part of a larger story. ... That's what patriotism means to me.